Sonopath Forum

Charging for the “oh can you take a quick peek at…”

Hi all –

I’m wondering how everyone charges for the “quick peeks.” A few examples:

1) Splenic mass and hemoabdomen – I usually look at the right atrium during the met check. This only takes a few minutes, but should I be charging? I’m assuming you guys don’t charge a full second cavity…or do you?

Hi all –

I’m wondering how everyone charges for the “quick peeks.” A few examples:

2) Called in for an abdomen and end up seeing dilated portal vasculature and maybe a little ascites…abd NSF, recommend proceeding to echo. Do you charge a full double cavity? It’s a major slow-down in my day, because usually the owner has to be called to approve the extra charges…More time than not, I end up waiving the abd fee and proceeding to echo just to not deal with the hassle, but it seems that the owner is getting something for nothing in that context. Thoughts?

3) Called in for an echo and the case reads like a possible pheo…rec checking adrenal glands. Charge a full double cavity or? Wait for owner approval or reschedule for the other cavity?

Any thoughts on these from a business and efficiency standpoint?

Thanks!
Liz

Comments

May 14, 2019 at 11:45 pm -

The only quick peek we do is

The only quick peek we do is positon 3 sdep echo for rt auricular masses when there is a canine splenic tumor as a client support scenario as our research shows there is pc effusion +/- rt auricular mass 12-15% of the time in dogs wiht a splenic tumor. Anything else in the “quick peek” category you are leaving yourself open for liability, losing revenue and getting taken advantage of. You spent numerous years to be able to weild a probe with preparation, you have costs of operaiton and a financial viability to maintain which is essential to your operational health. Don’t give it away! Charge for your time or you will lose your arm with every handhsake and no good deed will go unpunished.

23 years of clinical sonography in that statement:)

Liz

May 18, 2019 at 2:25 am -

I will take any and all

I will take any and all advise on how to phrase that discussion with the rdvm in a way that expedites the process….

Thanks Eric.

May 18, 2019 at 7:30 pm -

“I would just defer it to a

“I would just defer it to a liabiltity issue and standard mobile policy does not allow for quick peaks just as you wouldnt do rads for free or run bloodwork for free or spend time on an office call for free.

Its a professional clinical sonography standard that I am upholding wiht this policy (Use my name if you wish on this if it helps). I will look at a right auricle and pericardium for free when there is suggestion for HSA of the spleen to avoid you going to surgery when it has metted potentially to the heart to support you but otherwise if I cross the diaphragm I have to charge something.”

Liz

May 18, 2019 at 7:38 pm -

Thanks Eric. I like that

Thanks Eric. I like that verbiage.